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"This reminds me of that time my favorite sister Rae and I were..."
"Favorite sister? How many do sisters do you have?" Mortimer listens patiently as Sol tells her stories as they shop, nodding and grunting once in awhile, only briefly wondering if her constant reminicing about her past with her sister is some new work of Devils after the Rod.
Why did they leave her? What else would she talk about -- I wonder -- if Rae were here?
"I'd probably talk more about my own siblings," Mortimer offers quietly, "if I remembered them. I don't remember if I have any. You see, I don't remember my past, I don't know who I am. I just call myself "Mortimer Smith" because I figured no one else would ever name someone or call themselves 'Mortimer Smith'. It's unique enough not be be confused with 'John Smith', but common enough to not be terrifically memorable otherwise. I doubt that it's my real name, though."
"I just woke up just outside of Diamond Lake, with this awful scar. I think I got some medical care from someone -- it's hazy. I remember hiding outside of town and learning to steal things -- just enough to survive on and to clothe myself until I could blend in more. I remember thinking 'Maybe I'm a Blacksmith', 'cos making armor and weapons seemed to come naturally to me (I don't think that so much anymore), so I got a job at Osgood's, just so I could pay for all the stuff I stole. Then I met you, Rae and everyone else. I mean, there was some other stuff before that -- drinking too much for the first time at Lazare's or the Emporium... I don't even remember which. Hanging out with guys that would teach me how to fight (they liked my height). Stupid things like that. Mostly I kept out of trouble somehow."
He scratches the back of his head thoughtfully, yet almost ruefully.
"I came from somewhere, though, I expect. I have these dreams. Some of them I think are just dreams, but some of them are recurring. I sometimes think those are memories, but things get all mish-mashed together in there," he says, pointing to his head. "and I can't really make sense of much of it."
"But no one has come looking for me. They either don't know how, or they don't miss me all that much," Mortimer looks at Solrisa while they walk and shrugs. "Sometimes I hope that I'll meet back up with them someday, and everything will just come back to me and things will magically snap into place, and everything will make sense again."
"What about you? Where did Dandy and Rae go? Do you expect to meet up with them again?" He briefly wonders what Sol would do if she never saw Dandy or Rae again, but is loathe to ask so directly out of fear of upsetting her with the very concept.
~~~
Mortimer looks up at the figure of Aroden, and rubs his hand along his freshly shaved jaw thoughtfully.
Hmm. Looks trustworthy. Not a bad look altogether, if you're all into having hair all over...
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For the rain and the early start to the day, the shop is still reasonably busy with foot traffic off of Eodred's Walk. The establishment is utilitarian, if we're being kind. Shelves, tables, aisles, and private consultation rooms, the business known as Hedge Wizardry doesn't seem to take its pride in atmosphere, only in its wares.
Your attention is no more or less valuable than others', so you spend a bit of time reviewing both content and structure of the shop. Mortimer spends a good amount of time conscious of his headspace, ducking under doorways, and avoiding items hanging in macrame hangings. The light sound of flute music emanates from somewhere distant in the building, lending you atmosphere in wordless contemplation of various magical items that sit upon shelves and podiums.
For your time in the shop, you can feel the constant sense of being watched. Eri can attest to that, with his daily casting of Detect Scrying. It gives you the liberty to wander each and every nook of the place, without feeling as if you're being lost to a dark corner, here and there.
Eventually, you are found, by a small woman, wearing spectacles that enlarge the size of her eyes. Her hair is frazzled, and unkempt, and her clothes are unassuming. She regards you as a whole, looking at each of you, and clearly wondering why.
"Welcome. Hedge Wizardry at your service, more specifically, Jessamine Skoda, daughter of Phaeton. What brings you in from the rain?"
When you inquire about the Transformative addition to two weapons, she nods. "I am certainly able to provide this to you. It will take some time..." She regards you, and your patience in such matters. "With such crafting, I should be able to bring both weapons up to full quality within a week. Does this suit you?"
She answers without laying eyes on the weapons in question, only informs you of the requisite cost for the crafting.
Outside, Eodred's Walk awaits, and the possibility of other merchant calls, should it be desired.
...
"Oh, yeah, a cup of hot water would be just great. Good job here. We would like to check the temple library. We are looking up for information about Theadorus and Magepoint. I would like to peek at Aroden's sacred writings as well."
The acolyte brightens to hear of requests she's able to fulfill. "Of course. The library is open to all, we simply ask that you respect our inventory, and wash your hands so you may handle the literature." She bids Eidi follow her into the modestly-expansive chapel, where absolutely no one is seated, and no clerics currently occupy the apse, where lies the altar.
Above, carved elegantly along the balcony running the span of the worship space, you find spaced twelve depictions of Aroden, in his guises of travel- artist, beggar, artisan, farmer, fisherman, hunter, merchant, scholar, shepherd, soldier, tailor, and thief. For the reverance of Korvosa, these portrayals are garbed in very recognizable clothing for the local populace. In this fashion, the same sculptor might take pains to see that the low reliefs would respect the city in which the temple was located.
The elder half-elf is escorted into a small library off the main chapel, where books of various ages and topics are located. The acolyte is able to point to certain sections for reference, as there are few to really concern herself with.
The collection is curated. Someone made sure to gather important writings, or the hand-written copies of said writings, to ensure that followers of Aroden can partake in more obscure lore on the dead God. This has taken years to compile, and quite the expense. The uninitiated would likely be unaware of its value.
As for Theadorus, there is nothing here in Aroden's Temple to satisfy your curiosity. The acolyte is aware of Magepoint, personally, but only to the point of acknowledging its quaintness for being supported by a local mage of some repute.
"Wow Mort. I remember, vaguely, when you showed up. I just assumed you came in from another village somewhere. I had no idea you just 'popped' up like that. You know, there may be something I can do, magically, that might help. I don't know if it'll work mind you, but if you like, I could try a Heal on you."
"As the name suggests, it heals a wide variety of maladies. Might not cure what ails you, but it certainly won't hurt any. Let me know if you want me to try, I'd be happy to help."
"Greetings Jessamine, I'm Ascaria, and in addition to the transformations Mort here needs, we have a few things to sell as well - if you buy. Some very nice pieces... as you can see." He turns Mort around and begins to remove bits and pieces from his pack.
"There are also one or two items we might buy - if you have them. Although for my part, I think I may need an armorer - I plan to improve my suit you see. Can you make a recommendation?" he asks politely.
Ascaria is happy to recline in the comforts of the church for the morning if Eidi wishes to research now. He'll take in the architecture, the grandness of it all. The beauty and life within this, essentially, tomb to a dead god.
He'll take some time, and do a detailed charcoal sketch of some sight or corner that appeals to him. Perhaps the view from the chancel. He takes his time and does three drafts with different angles in mind, but of the same view.
He takes his final work, the best of the three, and presents it to the acolyte when they're done. He stuffs the other two in his satchel. "Here you go ma'am, a little token of our appreciation at the time you've let us spend here."
Eidi thanks the acolyte, and after properly washing his hands with a moist towelette, he starts to check old volumes of lore. It has been a long time since I last had a peek on your old books Last of the First... I do need your help now to stop this sect before it can really harm the world...
With patience and just a couple stops to have some water, the elder searches in the old tomes all the information he can gather about the sect and dark forces the Outcasts have found behind the dragon attacks, the rod of annihilation and other ways to stop their ritual.
Eidi thanks the acolyte, and after properly washing his hands with a moist towelette, he starts to check old volumes of lore.
"Wow, Eidi!" Mortimer exclaims pointing to the moist towelette. "You've got the most wonderful stuff!"
~~~
While out shopping, Mortimer buys an empty scroll case, and an extra lid. On the top of one of the lids, he makes two perpendicular cuts of equal length.
"I could try a Heal on you."
"O.K., Ascaria, but I think it'll be a waste of a spell." He stops walking in order to let the Gnome cast Heal on him. "Oh! And don't let me forget! We were going to look into getting me a buckler too!"
~~~
"Eidi, can you hand me your supply of moist towelettes?" he later asks politely.
Assuming the Theurge forks them over, Mortimer twists the short ends of the towelettes together, then carefully but quickly coils them inside of each other inside the empty scroll tube. He pulls on the corner of the innermost towelette, and threads it through the slits in the top of the lid.
He then trims the slit lid just enough to make it fit snuggly and firmly in the top of the tube scroll, and caps the whole thing with the extra lid.
He hands the whole thing back to Eidi. "Now when you pull on the corner of the one sticking out of the top of the tube for use, it'll pull the second one's corner up through the top, prepping it for use." He begins to walkaway feeling very proud of himself.
"Oh!" he says, turning back to Eidi. "I almost forgot -- it's re-fillable too!"
Eri finds a quiet corner and practices folding Shikigami
When Ascaria moves to sell the wand of Halt Undead,
”Hrm, well, maybe I’ll hold on to that one. Maybe that will come in handy. Hope we don’t need it, but if we do I’ll be pissed if we let it go here.”
Solrisa continues to guard Mort, following along here and there. At the Temple of Aroden, she keeps quiet and reverent as she was taught. It occurs her, more a figment of memory than anything else, that maybe one of her Mum's friends used to worship Aroden. And that was good.
Upon consideration, Eri scribbles a list on a piece of paper and beseeches Jessamine.
"Hi, would it be possible to secure these items for me?"
He hands her the list.
Scroll Case, spring loaded 5 gps
10 scrolls of magic missile (250 gps)
8 scrolls of locate object (1800 gps)
=========
8855 gps
He looks at Sol sideways and frowns, disbelieving her rudeness toward Mort. Ahh, the fickle ways of women. He thinks, but it sticks with him.
Ascaria eyes the moist towelette dispenser with a smile, but says nothing, though he considers putting it in his drawing, unobtrusively of course.
"Eri, that wand is worth a lot of cash, and with an easy save I think most fiends are going to make it. If you really want it, of course it's yours, but I think you'll find it less useful than you think."
"Oh, and the group is buying the gloves, so you can keep your purse on that purchase."
"Eri, that wand is worth a lot of cash, and with an easy save (only DC 14) I think most fiends are going to make it. If you really want it, of course it's yours, but I think you'll find it less useful than you think."
"Oh, and the group is buying the gloves, so you can keep your purse on that purchase.”
”Ah, yes. That *does* make sense. Sell away! In that case please increase my order of locate object scrolls to 10.”
While Eri waits he works out some more paper and watches as Mort invents a Moist Towellete dispenser. That is something else. It looks like more work than it’s worth, but if you were paying a person just to make those things maybe he might be on to something.
"Favorite sister? How many do sisters do you have?" "What about you? Where did Dandy and Rae go? Do you expect to meet up with them again?"
Solrisa smiles, wishing she had more sisters as wonderful as Rae. But she doesn't. Just the one. Her favorite. Rae. And her favorite Mum. Mum.
"Oh, just Rae! And Mum! I don't know where they are. But then again, Mum was gone an awful lot when we were growing up. Always off to one plane or another. She had lots of work to do because she was a hero because she saved this city from a Bad Queen," Solrisa says proudly and without sadness as she walks along. "Mum and Rae are probably out saving someone or something. Or maybe shopping. They did shopping too."
"But no one has come looking for me. They either don't know how, or they don't miss me all that much."
At this, Solrisa's heart nearly breaks. To image that someone doesn't have family and friends who might miss and want you is very painful for Sol...especially because she values Mort and his friendship ever so much.
"Oh Mort! That's terrible! I don't like that story at all," Solrisa almost pouts, but then regains her smile. [b}"But think about things now!"[/b] Solrisa turns to smile at the man.
"Mort, think!" Solrisa cheers, trying to cheer up Mort. "Now you have lots of friends and people that rely on you. You have the very important job of carrying the very important rod, which is so important. So so important."
"Oh Mort! I think things are better now. I think you're a hero and a good person. And I don't care if your old jerky family ever comes to look for you. You have family now. You have me and Ascaria and Eri and Eidi. We're family now. It's us now."
"Oh Mort! That's terrible! I don't like that story at all, -- "
I suppose they could be all dead, too... Mortimer turns a shade paler.
Solrisa almost pouts, but then regains her smile. "But think about things now!" Solrisa turns to smile at the man. "Mort think!"
"... you have lots of friends and people ..." Mortimer nods, thinking.
"So so important. Mortimer scratches his head, thinking."Oh Mort! I think things are better now. I think you're a hero and a good person. And I don't care if your old jerky family ever comes to look for you. You have family now. You have me and Ascaria and Eri and Eidi. We're family now. It's us now."
Mortimer grins at Solrisa. "Yea," he says, nodding. "I believe that's what it would feel like!"
~~~
Mortimer awakens from a short nap (post Moist Towelette Dispenser deployment), blinking rapidly.
"Hey! Did I hear that correctly?! Did Jessamine say it would take a week to Transformatizise The Weapons? Does that sound right?! Are we really staying here for that long?"
Eidi provides one of the towelettes to Mortiger. The half-elf looks intrigued when he starts to fold it, then astonished as he starts to pair them "That's a clever idea. Look, I think you should place some invisible servants to work on this. You can make a life with it once this Worms War is over"
"Greetings Jessamine, I'm Ascaria, and in addition to the transformations Mort here needs, we have a few things to sell as well - if you buy. Some very nice pieces... as you can see. There are also one or two items we might buy - if you have them. Although for my part, I think I may need an armorer - I plan to improve my suit you see. Can you make a recommendation?"
Jessamine looks over the party's wares, nodding over each item, as she takes her time identifying purpose and value. Her offers are fair, and her attendant writes them as she speaks, providing her written word, as well as her spoken word.
"Laario Ryeth of Slicing Dicers will see to your magicking. I'll broker the work. In doing so, I'll offer you a ten percent discount on any items you purchase from me, if it pleases you."
"Hi, would it be possible to secure these items for me?"
Jessamine nods as she reviews the sorcerer's requests, as she does with any of the other requests the Outcasts bring forward. For the time commmitted to the work on the two blades, she'll have plenty of time to fulfill your secondary requests.
"I value your patronage. I hope that you will find our services exemplary, and you carry our name, should a recommendation be asked of you in your travels."
"Here you go ma'am, a little token of our appreciation at the time you've let us spend here."
The acolyte brightens as she looks over the gnomic sketches. "Oh, these are very lovely! You honor us, master gnome. Aroden blesses you for your kindness."
Your first day in the Temple of Aroden is a pleasant one, at least. The acolyte of Aroden attends to your hot water, and brings you a sweet bread loaf and butter to keep your stomach from growling as you study.
The religious texts and historical letters say very little about the Ebon Triad. There is a correspondence between the High Priestess's surrogate in Egorian and the local temple of Asmodeus which dismisses the blasphemy of the Ebon Triad's desire to subjugate the Dark Prince to an appendage to a greater god, as a syphilitic fever dream.
Now, on the subject of Kyuss, there is some decent literative, as the following of a now dead god pays attention to possible dead gods and those who would see them resurrected. Like Aroden, the demigod Kyuss began his existence as a mortal. The literature is not definitive in his status in the pantheon of lesser or greater gods, demigods, archangels, or archdevils. He prophecied apocalypse, of all things, and grew his following, bringing about a great city, dedicated to his deep and dark vision. It was lost to time, thank the gods, and events promised to come to pass never did. Accounts of powerful Scrolls are found, here and there, if only to report the anecdotal veracity of undead summonings, which might only be in name. Perhaps another god of the undead was responsible, instead...
In any of the readings regarding Kyuss, not once is there a mention of Asmodeus, Urgathoa, nor Lamashtu, or cults dedicated to seeing three gods support the return of a fourth.
Your first day in Korvosa concludes, as the Outcasts return to Aram's Crown for a second night's stay. The rains begin to wane only shortly before the final day's bell, so the common room is bustling well into the night, as the tavern patrons hope to avoid the worst of the waters.
How do you intend on passing the week in Korvosa, now that you've committed to seeing work done?
Solrisa seems very inclined to have the swords 'fixed' and thinks now is the time to have them done as there is no telling what exists or might happen in Magepoint.
Back at the Inn, she relaxes and enjoys her night in Korvosa. It occurs to her that she might have been there in the past, but cannot remember it.
"Eidi, what's it going to be like in Magepoint? Do you know?" Solrisa asks, hoping for a story. She looks to his pockets to see if cookies might accompany the story. Cookies and stories are some of Solrisa's favorite things (a long list).
Ascaria shakes the woman’s hand most firmly, ”Thank you very much, you’ve been too kind.” He’ll divvy the funds to the party from their prior stash, though he suspects Mort is happy just to have the load removed from his back.
He hands the first aid gloves to Eri, "These are to replace the ones you used. Hopefully I won't need it again." he grins.
He takes the wand of CLW and hands it to Eidi, "In case I'm unable to use mine or if we need to heal the group quickly. It's a backup, but let me know if the charges get low."
Ascaria then takes care of his armoring (+1 (to +2 total) and expeditious to his armor - total cost 7kgp). At the armorer, he suggests to Mort, ”Here’s where you should get your buckler. Mithral if you can afford it."
He’ll spend the week with the others, walking around the city, seeing the sights, and generally having a good relaxing time. He’ll make a number of drawings of this and that, but just for his own entertainment. At some point, he will look for a church or shrine to Cayden Cailean if such a thing exists, but he’ll otherwise be content to relax for the first time in a while…
Every day, conscious of the forces that hunt for them, he casts Heroes’ Feast, and Magic Vestments on his and Sol’s bucklers, and on Mort’s when he receives it.
Eri will stay with the group and suggesting and asking about food delights in the city. He will also seek out someone who knows origami and somewhere that has a supply of scrap paper. He, too is happy to revel in repose and just enjoy his time.
Still keeping a bit of paranoia going, he casts mage armor and detect scry every morning and message periodically throughout the day.
As the first day concludes and equipment is procured, Mortimer stretches out on his bedroll and yawns after dinner.
"Hey, maybe if we're going to be staying for awhile, we can arrange for a bigger room or two?" You know -- so people don't think we're super weird or something..."
The following morning, assuming the evening passes uneventfully, Mortimer breaks his fast on fruit, adding a goodly portion of potato and eggs, waits an hour. He then removes his trousers and replaces them with bright green swimming trunks. He leaves the rest of his gear intact and heads for the beach.
I think I'm beginning to like being protected...
"Anyone wanna come? Ascaria -- you should paint the Bay and other scenes of Korvosa for Raziel!"
He'll spend everyday he possibly can relaxing on the beach, reflecting the sun off his his mithral shirt and buckler onto his face and arms and legs.
Eidi comes to the inn with stories about his days lectures "I was not able to trace the relation between Kyuss and the Ebon Triad. They do not seem devoted to resurrect a dead god, and actually all the miracles we have seen of undead's summoning... it is all mysterious, perhaps the deeds of another gods, not Kyuss"
The half-elf thanks Ascaria about the divvy and commits some time to work with Solrisa's jewels "Oh, Magepoint... did you know that Tenser himself was born in a small village next to Magepoint? Such a wizard this Tenser. I do hope we can find there some of his works"
"The beach!?" Solrisa smiles brightly as the suggestion is made and the invitation offered. "I've never been to the beach! Oh, it's sounds like fun!"
Solrisa, in full plate, guards Mort in the hot sun. She doesn't complain about the heat or the sand getting under her armor or anything. She just does what she's supposed to do, no matter how uncomfortable she feels. She's just happy to be there.
She ties a scarf about her head when the head begins to sunburn her delicate skin.
"Oh Mort! This is great!" Solrisa cheers, with sweat running down her face, guarding Mort as the sun beats against her full plate.
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"I was not able to trace the relation between Kyuss and the Ebon Triad. They do not seem devoted to resurrect a dead god, and actually all the miracles we have seen of undead's summoning... it is all mysterious, perhaps the deeds of another gods, not Kyuss"
"Oh? Well, maybe we ask the wrong questions? We have other gods related to the Ebon Triad. Didn't we find a scroll? In Dourstone? They said something about Lamashtu? And then there was Thedrick and Kendra with Asmodeus... and ...
Mortimer scratches the back of his head.
"Which was the other Sol?"
"Maybe this is a newer thing, closer to Diamond Lake and Egorian. Hasn't reached out this far. But who is Tenser? Why is he so special?"
"Oh Mort! This is great!" Solrisa cheers, with sweat running down her face, guarding Mort as the sun beats against her full plate.
By the grace of Sarenrae! She looks as though she is melting!
"Oh, Yes, this is nice... he trails off, looking at her with great concern. "But maybe we should check out... the Penguin exhibit in the Zoo! Maybe they have Narwhals there too! My treat!"
He heads off for the Penguin exhibit in the Korvosa Zoo.
The days in Korvosa pass placidly, as Eidi visits the Temple of Aroden, seeking further knowledge about Kyuss, and any vigilant reports of stirrings of undead activity, and Mortimer and Solrisa galavant about the town, seeking relaxation on the shores of Korvosa first, enjoying the fishy inlet breezes.
When the time comes for Mortimer to desire looking upon strange animals, Ascaria is quick enough to produce knowledge about the Arkona Menagerie, located in Old Korvosa. Its reputation is mottled, as the more well-to-do tend to shun visits to Endrin Isle, so dismiss the Arkona's freakish attempts to pacify or satisfy the poor with free admission, just to look upon imported animals from far and wide. The locals quite enjoy visits to the establishment, as it transports young and old alike to exotic coasts, and extreme climes. For the scarcity of property, the Arkona Family has done well enough to purchase a city block, and construct a three-storied building, including a basement level. From the below-ground level representing the creatures of the sea, the first level representing creatures of and in the earth, the second level representing various biospheres ranging from tropical to arctic, and finally the third level devoted to enclosed air spaces for the creatures of the skies, there is something for everyone. Including Mortimer, and his desire to set eyes upon penguins.
Those more magically-inclined among you can point out that the life-sized dioramas have been magically supported, various ways, to maintain or suppress humidity, to sustain arctic cold, or retain desert heats. Quite impressive, and very humane. The animals seem to want for nothing.
Donations to various wildlife causes are certainly welcome, and likely used by the Arkona Family to bequeath charitable donations to its select causes.
On Day 6 of your visit in Korvosa, Eri suggests quietly that you are being scryed. Well, someone, somewhere within forty feet, is being scryed. Cough. It is noted immediately after Eri casts the spell, in fact, in the warmth and comfort of Aram's Crown.
Before heading for the Zoo, Mortimer pulls on his trousers. In the basement of the Arkona Menagerie, he gestures toward a particular cetacean. "Look Solrisa! See that whale with the sword on his head?! That's a Narwhal! The Unicorn of the Sea! I've heard of such creatures, but never thought I'd see one in person! Kinda makes you wonder what's in the ocean that they need swords on their heads..."
[ ... ]
"Look Sol! Oliphants! What do you suppose that big horse with the patches and really long neck is? 'Giraffe'. Nope, that's not at all descriptive. I'll call it 'Patchy Horse with Really Long Neck', or just 'Patches' for short."
[ ... ]
"Look Solrisa! That strange Upright Deer with the fat tail has a Pocket Baby!"
[ ... ]
"Look Sol! The sign says that the Small Blue Penguins will gang up on and attack anyone casting bright magics near them... who knew such lightweights could be so feisty? They don't look like much, but I wouldn't risk it."
He makes a 100gp donation to the Arkona Menagerie.
~~~
Seeing how uncomfortable Solrisa was at the Beach, and because of their 'deal', Mortimer thinks of something different every day to do instead of the Beach, stopping to sell his +1 butterfly swords. "These won't be as useful as I initially thought..."
"What's the 'Ballet'? Has anyone been? Is it good?"
~~~
"Oh, look! A museum!"
~~~
"There's a play I'm going to check out. Something about a Corpse Bride..."
~~~
"I'm going to go check out the Gaming Gallery."
~~~
someone, somewhere within forty feet, is being scryed. Cough.
Mortimer casually looks around the room from his seat for Ilya.
"Is it Ilya looking for us?" he quietly asks.
Ascaria whiles away the days most pleasantly, until he gets the signal from Eri. He looks to Mort and shakes his head, "Ssshhh. Talk about something else."
He looks about furtively even as he tries to look casual, so caught by surprise is he. "So how was the museum?" he asks Mort and Sol.
He talks only in banalities until Eri gives the all clear. He knows most scrying only lasts a short time.
"Ssshhh. Talk about something else."
"That place was fancy. Spell environments are cool. Maybe I can do that when I retire. I wonder how they get all the animals? Those big ones, they probably need to use a gate for something like that."
Eri prestidigitates some paper into existence and folds it waiting for the scry sensor to leave.
Eidi negates with his head at Mortimer "I am sorry sir, but in any of the readings regarding Kyuss, not once is there a mention of Asmodeus, Urgathoa, nor Lamashtu, or cults dedicated to seeing three gods support the return of a fourth. I believe that is a dead end. There must be a different approach to the relation of this events"
"Uh, Tenser? Was he not that great wizard...?" the half-elf looks confused by a second "Mmmm... wait, maybe that was in a different life after all..."
----------------
Eidi works with devotion on Solrisa's headband. After a couple of days the half-elf approaches to her and shows a finely improved headband, with new rubies all shiny and empowered by magic. The elder offers the crafting and points at the central piece he just recently completed "That is the masterpiece, a dragon opal. The Dragon's Eye"
"If you are satisfied, I can as well work in improving likewise your belt"
----------------
As soon as Eri tells the group is being scryed the half-elf attempts an area dispel "Quick, we need to try dispel that sensor!"
"We need to take counter-measures it seems we will need to find a non-detection spell" and Eidi will look for a wizard at town able to teach him the spell.
"Ssshhh. Talk about something else. So how was the museum?"
"[ .. ] I wonder how they get all the animals? Those big ones, they probably need to use a gate for something like that."
Mortimer rolls his eyes at Ascaria. "I was just saying -- they had these really creepy paintings in that -- the longer you stared at them the faster you saw time flying by. You'd walk away and think to yourself -- 'Is somebody watching me?'"!
"Uh, Tenser? Was he not that great wizard...?" the half-elf looks confused by a second "Mmmm... wait, maybe that was in a different life after all..."
Mortimer shakes his head, then points to it. "Oh, don't rely on my memory for anything," he says sincerely.
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"Oh, Yes, this is nice... he trails off, looking at her with great concern. "But maybe we should check out... the Penguin exhibit in the Zoo! Maybe they have Narwhals there too! My treat!"
Solrisa claps with glee, mostly for Mort's anticipated joy than for relief from the sun or her own excitement because sharing things is the best kind of joy to Solrisa.
"Mort, yes! That's a good idea!" she cheers mightly and helps Mort collect his beach gear. "Oh! I wonder if they will have flumphs and carbuncles and perytons! That would be great! Or even strange magical creatures like sea lions, gila monsters, or kangaroos!" Solrisa would be very happy to see a kangaroo, if they even exist.
Solrisa oohs and aahs her way through the exhibit, not recognizing a kangaroo for what it is, a strange Upright Deer with the fat tail has a Pocket Baby, unless it is clearly labeled.
"This is great! We should back here everyday!" Solrisa says, and matches Mort's 100 gp donation.
"This is great! We should back here everyday!"
"Yah, O.K.! I doubt we saw but a tiny bit of it today!"
Seeing Eidi cast Eri follows his elder's lead.
Ah, we were gonna lead them on. That won't work this time.
The attendant at the Zoo welcomes Mortimer's and Solrisa's generous donations, recording their names in her Book of Friends, should they give them.
...
The Scry Sensor is located above you, slightly to your right, along the ceiling, which is 10' high.
The conversation passes for several minutes, should everyone follow the gnome's instruction, before Eri gives the 'all clear'. Roughly 10 minutes, give or take the length of a couple of held breaths.
...
Eidi engages Jessamine for the means of acquiring a spell of Nondetection. She secures him a scroll easily enough, though she doesn't provide the time or use of a spellbook to transcribe, leaving the half-elf to his own studies. Otherwise, Eidi is informed that he will likely be denied privileges at the Acadamae or the College for brief, noncommittal studies.
...
The day passes, uneventfully. Purchases made, equipment secured before the end of the business day, and you enjoy your last evening in Korvosa. Unless you mean to travel in the dead of night...
Ascaria visibly relaxes when the scrying ends. "Yeah, I wonder who that was? Hopefully they didn't learn much in any event."
He's very pleased with his armor improvements, and tests it out once just for fun. He moves along an ally or other straightaway for a few quick moments counting slowly. He makes a light mark in chalk on the ground. Then he walks back to the beginning and repeats it, this time activating his armor.
He moves a third farther in the same time! Lickity split! "That'll help me move a bit in the thick of things if I have to." he says grinning.
"We should be safe one more night in Korvosa, I hope. Let's leave first thing though, get an early start, in case we're being hunted."
"Hum, hum" Eidi observes with interest as Jasmine produces the required spell "I think that will make me a good serve lady" he smiles at her and unfolds the scroll immediately starting to study the arcane runes with care.
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"Oh! And they had these weird desert horses -- like really weird. They didn't even look like horses, and they had these giant humps on their back in which it said they carried lots of water. Where did it say they were from? 'Absalom'? Yah! Absalom! Let's go there next! Maybe we can get some desert horses! I always wanted to see that Island anyway! Yaa! Let's go there next!"
~~~
Once the "all clear" is given, Mortimer glances over his shoulder slightly to his right, about 10' high along the ceiling.
"There, it was there," he says, gesturing with his eyes. "I don't know anyone that well! If the target is us, how do they know where we are in order to turn it on right above us!?"
He prepares for the day once more to head off to the Menagerie or where ever anyone else would like to go.
Eri enjoys his last night in the city. He likes that not everyone in the bar knows who he is while he sits quietly enjoying drinks in the corner. He tries to not drink too much so he's ready for the early start, but he fails. At the end of the night he buys a couple of bottles of wine for the long road ahead.
After the scry and in message:
" If the target is us, how do they know where we are in order to turn it on right above us!?"
"Well, I guess it's either the devil or someone local. Eidi, if you could cast the non-detection in the morning maybe we can hide our exit?"
"Well they could just get lucky too. There's a chance of failure, but the scrying spell would do the trick. Though if they have another piece of the rod, they know roughly where we are I suppose, so scrying is just to see what we're doing. A more complete picture." he suggests, also through message.
"If non detection can only effect one of us, I suggest Mort as he has the... ah... item. Dunno if it'll help much as they can always try one of us, but it might waste a casting or two as they try Mort and fail." he grins at the thought of thwarting their foes, if only a little. That Eidi is pretty smart.
Solrisa keeps very quiet when the eye is mentioned. She is very good at keeping quiet, like when Rae is very angry and raging and it's best to keep quiet lest she yell at you. And that's how Sol learned to be quiet when it was quiet time.
"Ascaria, Eidi, think! How can I help?" Solrisa asks, wondering if she needs to do more other than protect Mort, which she is really good at.
"Mort, if you tell me where the eye is again, I'll go punch it with my sword!"
"Desert horses! Yes, that's a great idea. Let's go to Absalom" Eidi follows Mort game with a wink "Fire mares, those are the best ones ever. Can you imagine flying the sky on your own fire mare?"
-----------
"It is just speculative, but if we protect the rod with non-detection, it is my idea we might block the way of those people to find us" the half-elf will prepare and cast the non-detection on the rod but will remain open to discussion on the topic.
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"Desert horses! Yes, that's a great idea. Let's go to Absalom" Eidi follows Mort game with a wink. "Fire mares, those are the best ones ever. Can you imagine flying the sky on your own fire mare?"
Mortimer nods vigorously, his eyes glazing over slightly as he daydreams about flying on a fire mare -- whatever those are! "Oh, wow! That would be so much more fun than a Gondola!" Shoot. Now I REALLY want to go there.
~~~
"Mort, if you tell me where the eye is again, I'll go punch it with my sword!"
"No, no -- Sol. It was like that thing in Sodden Hold, the thing we couldn't touch at all. Save your sword for those that come looking for us, should they choose to pick that fight."
"Well, I guess it's either the devil or someone local."
"Same person? Uh, I dunno. Does your magic thing that you do tell you it's us? Could it be anyone, checking up on anyone else that you might have detected?"
"There's a chance of failure, but the scrying spell would do the trick."
Mortimer nods. "Yah, see! I thought maybe it could work at a distance!"
"Though if they have another piece of the rod, they know roughly where we are I suppose, so scrying is just to see what we're doing. A more complete picture. If non detection can only effect one of us, I suggest Mort as he has the... ah... item."
Mortimer slouches, looks down at his crotch and sighs. "It's like a beacon."
"It is just speculative, but if we protect the rod with non-detection, it is my idea we might block the way of those people to find us"
Mortimer stops looking down and suddenly sits up. He looks around the room, appearing very self-conscious. "Maybe we could do that back in the -- room? I mean -- there are people here eating!" "Someone might see!"
Solrisa tenses up with Mort's alarm, stopping short of standing and drawing her sword but instead looking around with concern.
"Mort, worry! Is there danger here!? Should I protect you? From what?!"
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"Me, Solrisa. Just me. Protect everyone from me. I'm the danger!"
In the evening he retreats to the Rope Trick in their room to allow Eidi to cast Non-detection on the rod in the haversack, then packs and prepares for bed, watch and travel.
Solrisa follows Mort into the trick, her eyes looking for danger all over.
Eidi acquires a new knowledge, and with no vocal objections from his associates, the half-elf casts Nondetection on the Rod Fragment.
Nondetection is a reasonable protection. Not many spells can be cast that overcome such cloaking magics... For an Artifact, capable of finding itself, well... who knows...?
The magic cast by Eidi settles over the Rod Fragment, and swirls a moment, before it takes hold.
...
Neither Eidi nor Eri's attempt at dispelling the Scry works to dismiss the Scry sensor. It remains in place for the duration. Those aware of the sensor are aware of its attachment to Mortimer's position. As he moves, so does the sensor...
...
Early morning comes, and the peace of Aram's Crown remains undisturbed. The common room smells of cinnamon and kahve, and though Alaah is nowhere to be found, her presence is felt in the continental breakfast laid out fresh for those seeking early worms.
With all laid plans seen to fruition in the streets of Korvosa, the Outcasts take their leave, like a lover seeking to leave the bed without disturbing the paramour's sleep.
The skies are crisp and cold for pre-dawn. There seems to be a preponderance of psuedodragons in flight, small murmurations which disband and reform with different members. It is quite the sight, for those waking early enough, and fresh to look upon it.
Taking to Cloud Form, you rise into the mists surrounding the Bay, and you're off! Several sentient pseudodragons are attracted by your movement, but soon lose you to the incredible magical wind speed.
The day's travel is shorter than your first as clouds. Skirting the northern rim of Conqueror's Bay, you find yourselves soaring above the Mushfens, the largest marsh in all of Avistan.
For your encounters with a Black Dragon, the Mushfens shares a history of them as well. There was a time when the Mushfens was home to dozens, if not hundreds, of the creatures, but they've all but abandoned the land, for the tyranny of the runelords of Thassilon, who enslaved the Blacks, though this is thousands of years ago. And yet, the Blacks have never returned.
Along its northern border runs the Yondabakari River, which runs from its roots in the Mindspin Mountains, all the way to the Varisian Gulf. There is a road call the Dry Way, which runs along its northern bank, and serves for dependable passage, although boggard attacks are common closer to the Mushfens.
A soft bend to the north, and beyond the Sanos Forest, you travel northwest towards the Varisian Gulf. For the mountain range which rings the eastern part of the Gulf, you make easy work of pinning down Magepoint and its whereabouts. It is not hidden, but it is quite small, especially by contrast to the city you just visited.
Gentle hills and full green trees cradle the southern reaches of the coastal village of Magepoint. Wide streets, plentiful greenery, and pleasant wooden buildings speak of peace and ease, yet the community buzzes with activity. Clearly the village prospers. North of the village lie the shores of the Varisian Gulf, and rising from a rocky island about half a mile out is a pale blue castle surrounding a tower capped with a vast faceted dome that glitters like a blue jewel. A twenty-foot wide stone causeway runs from the village shore all the way out to this castle.
Welcome to Magepoint.
Solrisa delights in going 'north' to Magepoint, the best direction for many reasons. She beams and delights and points at birds and butterflies as they fly and walk and camp on the way.
"Ascaria, look! It's Magepoint!" Solrisa oohs, admiring the blue of the blue castle, which is the best color.
Solrisa nearly scampers excitedly forth to the castle, but then remembers her duty to guard Mort and instead walks with him.
"Shall we get rooms first or go visit the very important person therein?" Solrisa asks unsure.
"Eidi, question!" Solrisa takes a moment away from guarding Mort to approach Eidi. She smiles brilliantly at the half-elf, as that is what she is as well. There is a kinship that Sol feels with Eidi, and one of love. Because that's what Sol feels all the time.
Solrisa points to her new and improved headband and smiles. "This is really nice. I love it. I was wondering if you might be able to craft another thing for me? Maybe something pretty for my wrists?" Solrisa holds up her unadorned wrists (that lead to her manhands).
"Maybe you could make..." Solrisa goes on to describe what she wants.
After describing the item, she looks eagerly to see what Eidi says.
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After the headband craft, Eidi is kind of delighted to work on more stuff for Solrisa. He examine's the half-elf's wrists "The prettiness, strength and courage of your wrists cannot be improved by any means of crafting. Yet if you wish to have a representation of the nobleness of your heart, I will commit to make it real" the elder leaves Solrisa's hands "There is a need though. I need the pureness of a true divine knight to make this happen, as its blessing is required in order to fill it with power. Will you work with me in this crafting Solrisa?"
-----------------------
"I guess first thing we should do as foreigners is to present us to the higher authorities" mumbles Eidi "There is something about the Mushfens though, we should make good to remember. This place was full of blacks years ago. The fact they are not here now is just because of the tyranny of the Runelords that once made them leave"
Solrisa claps with joy at the idea of working with Eidi, stamping her feet happily.
"Yes, Eidi! I will help! I'm a very good helper! Mort will get to watch too!"
As needed, Sol will come do what is needed, dragging Mort with her as neceesary.
* * *
As before, Ascaira stays close with the group as he can't see the ground from up here, and so has no frame of reference. If I'm to travel this way frequently, I'm going to need a guide I can trust when all this is over. he considers as the wind whips by.
When they close in on Magepoint, he again suggests landing some distance away and walking the last mile or so - wherever there's decent cover.
When Sol inquires as to their approach, he suggests, "It's early yet. I say we seek the wizard first - just to see what's up. Might be we can't see him right away anyway. Then we should look for Ilya."
"Eidi's right though, we could check in with the local law as well, before seeking our mage. I dunno, I haven't really travelled much. This is all new to me." he grins.
"Eidi, what do you mean by blacks? Do you mean black skinned people?"
~~~
with no vocal objections from his associates, the half-elf casts Nondetection on the Rod Fragment.
Mortimer watches as the Elder casts his spell. Wow! "Did it work?" he asks, eagerly.
The common room smells of cinnamon and kahve, and though Alaah is nowhere to be found, her presence is felt in the continental breakfast laid out fresh for those seeking early worms.
Full of the Heroes Feast Ascaria cast earlier, Mortimer merely looks over the offerings of the continental breakfast.
~~~
"Eidi, question!" Solrisa takes a moment away from guarding Mort to approach Eidi. "This is really nice. I love it. I was wondering if you might be able to craft another thing for me? Maybe something pretty for my wrists?" Solrisa holds up her unadorned wrists (that lead to her manhands).
Mortimer starts wandering toward ... Wait... Where are we? ... somewhere else.
"Maybe you could make..." Solrisa goes on to describe what she wants.
"The prettiness, strength and courage of your wrists cannot be improved by any means of crafting..."
"Well now -- wait!" Mort says, stopping in his tracks. He scratches the back of his head thoughtfully. "Why not something like this?" he shrugs. "That one is cool."
"Yet if you wish to have a representation of the nobleness of your heart, I will commit to make it real. Will you work with me in this crafting Solrisa?"
"Yes, Eidi! I will help! I'm a very good helper! Mort will get to watch too!" As needed, Sol will come do what is needed, dragging Mort with her as neceesary.
Suddenly, Mortimer feels his arm jerked to the side! He finds himself staring into the eyes of a very excited Solrisa. "Hey, what?!" he helplessly exclaims, in tow.
~~~
While flying, Mortimer keeps a close eye on Ascaria, who seems to drift off course once in awhile. "Oh, hey Ascaria, over here!" he calls, every time it happens --
gliding to take Canary's arm whenever he seems too off course. "This way!" he says, cheerfully.
Gentle hills and full green trees cradle the southern reaches of the coastal village of Magepoint. Wide streets, plentiful greenery, and pleasant [... (pleasant)]
Aside from Ascaria, he keeps an eye out otherwise. but "Wow. Magepoint!" says Mortimer, clearly too absorbed in the scenery (and Ascaria) to notice much of anything remotely resembling a threat. "This place is aptly named! It even looks like magic!"
"I guess first thing we should do as foreigners is to present us to the higher authorities" mumbles Eidi "There is something about the Mushfens though, we should make good to remember. This place was full of blacks years ago. The fact they are not here now is just because of the tyranny of the Runelords that once made them leave"
"Hey, what?" says Mortimer angrily, stunned and alarmed. "Mushfens? Runelords? Forcing people to leave?! Who are these Magepoint guys?! If you're not comfortable with presenting ourselves to the higher authorities Eidi, I understand. What happened at mushfens?" He shakes his head. "Do understand -- and I think I speak for all of us here -- " Mortimer looks at everyone. "Right?!" He turns to Eidi. "No matter what happens, we've got your back here. We'll defend and support you. What do you want to do?"
"he again suggests landing some distance away and walking the last mile or so - wherever there's decent cover.”
”Yeh, I’d like to stretch my legs a little. I know we are super hard to see, but I still feel very exposed up here. Some cover would make me happy.”